Davao City (Philippines)

Davao City is a highly urbanized city on Mindanao, Philippines. Davao City is constantly described by its residents and the national media as arguably among one of the safest cities in the Philippines, however this has been met with criticism. Davao has a tropical rainforest climate, with little seasonal variation in temperature. Residents of Davao City and the whole Davao Region are colloquially known as Davaoeños. Nearly all of local Davaoeños are Visayans, while others from other ethnicity such as Lumad and Aeta form up the remainder of the local population. The Moro ethnic groups are Maguindanaos, Iranun, Sangirese and the Sama-Bajaus. There are ethnic Americans, Chinese, Koreans, Indians and Japanese residing in the city. There are also Indonesians and Malaysians. Like most cities in the Philippines, Christians predominate in Davao. Christian churches and chapels dot the city's landscape along with temples, mosques and other places of worship. The Philippine eagle, the country's national bird and considered the largest eagle in the world, is endemic to Davao. The orchid waling-waling and fruits such as durians, pomeloes and mangosteens are popular and generally cheaper in the city. Tourist destinations in the city include the Philippine Eagle Foundation and Nature Center, Mount Apo, Gap Farming Resort, the Davao Crocodile Park, Malagos Garden Resort, Eden Nature Park, and People's Park in the city center which is popular for its sculptures of indigenous people and dancing fountain. Samal Island, a part of Metro Davao, is an island city situated immediately off the city's coast in the Davao Gulf, popularly known for its scenic beaches. Two major annual festivals are held in the city: the Araw ng Dabaw (Day of Davao) on March 16 (The city's incorporation day) and the Kadayawan Festival in August.